12 Tips to Ensure a Secure Password

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

By Diana Moran

In this day of age, many of us use a variety of different programs daily that require a password. The intention of passwords is obvious; it is to keep our private information safe. Many of us, however, use passwords that are easy for imposters and robots to crack putting us, and the University, in danger of having our personal information end up in the wrong hands. As technology becomes smarter and smarter, we must too. Below provides 12 tips to keep in mind when setting up your passwords.

Use at least 14 characters

The longer the better, as long as you can remember it easily

Do not repeat your username as your password

Do not use personal information such as your name, age, birth date, child's name, pet's name, or favorite color/song

Do not use common words, in any language, that robots can easily detect

Make your password easy to remember, but hard to crack

Use random unexplainable phrases: correcthorsebatterystaple

Use the first letter of each word in a line from your favorite song lyric: How Much is that Doggie in the Window? Password: H$itditw1?

Use symbols and punctuation if permitted

Use a mixture of upper and lowercase characters

Avoid sequencings and simple transformations

Common passwords found during large-scale breaches used "12345" "abc123," and number repetitions like "111111”

Keep your password a secret

Never provide your password over email or based on an email request

Use unique passwords for each of your accounts. Using the same password for multiple accounts (email, banking, social media) can lead to identity theft

And remember, change your password frequently

Employees every 60 days

Faculty every 90 days

Students every 120 days

Following the above guidelines will help keep your, and the University's, private information secure. Please feel free to contact the Technology Service Desk at
(973) 275-2222, ext. 2222, or at servicedesk@shu.edu with any questions.